Brittany classroom map with annotations

Method to my madness: Reasoning behind my classroom setup!

• I set the students desks up to line the walls of the classroom and add more of an open space to the room. This is how my cooperating teacher set up her classroom and I've noticed the benefits of this set up during my observations. It allows for the teacher to see every students face, so no student is really hiding in the back, and she can make eye contact with each and every one. I really liked that concept because I used to be the shy student in class and would always try to sit towards the back so my teacher couldn't see me. Thinking back on it, my teacher should have done something to warrant that. I don't think any student should be able to "hide" like that. The positioning of the desk also allows the students to see each other, so when they are talking or asking a question, the students can see one another. Group work is still easy to do because the desk are two by twos so students will always have a partner if need be, and can join up to make a group of four, if we are doing group work. One con that I noticed about this set up, was that it makes it easier for students to talk across the room to one another, which isn't always a bad thing, unless they are doing it at the inappropriate times.

• The teachers desk is positioned beside the bookshelves and beanbag chairs. I did this because I want to be able to see what books my students are picking out, if I happen to be at my desk during reading time. The teachers desk really was hard to place, because I don't plan to be at my desk too often.

*I put the projector in the front of the room because I think that was really important and I want all the students to be able to see it. In a perfect situation, that would be a Smart-board.

Overall, I wanted my classroom environment to be inviting and comfortable. I want students to fell safe in my class and like they can openly discuss their views on topics we are discussing.